Midterms are upon us (or have already happened), time flies when you’re stressed. Here’s some news you missed while you were cramming for you midterm you forgot about until the night before. 

Happening in the World: Public outrage over Algerian President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term has resulted in demonstrations across the country. Protestors have been calling for the withdrawal of his bid. The president has rarely been seen in public after his last two strokes. However, the protests, which had remained peaceful, erupted into chaos, with police firing tear gas on the crowd as they attempted to push past barricades. Activists remain optimistic, hoping that the public dissatisfaction with the president to result in change. (NPR)

Happening in the US: Due to the five-week government shut down, NASA’s Lunar Gateway may be delayed for as much as three months. The Gateway is a proposal for a lunar-orbit space station intended to give astronauts easy access to the Moon. However, since NASA was one of the agencies affected by the shutdown, proposals for the Power and Propulsion Element were not able to be reviewed during the 35-day shutdown. Instead of awarding contracts in March, it is expected they will be awarded in May. Thus, pushing back the target launch date from September 2022 to December 31, 2022. (Space News)

Happening in NYC: Luna, a 2-month-old bodega kitten, was stolen from a Bronx store last Saturday. The kitten belonged to the owner’s autistic son. However, this case had a happy ending, with little Luna being returned to the family Friday morning. The cat burglar is being charged with petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. (Gothamist)

Happening on Campus: The Athena Film Festival is happening this weekend! The festival showcases the stories of “fierce and fearless” women through narratives, documentaries, and shorts. Tickets are required and are only $5 for students and $14 for adults. Some films included are, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Mary Queen of Scots, The Hate U Give, Rafiki, and more!

Documentary of the Week: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, no explanation necessary :)

look at the moon! it’s what the gateway is TRYING to orbit via Wikimedia Commons